Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to James Stevenson-Hamilton
Subject(s): Akeley, Carl Ethan, 1864-1926, Armenian massacres (1915-1923), Armenians--Crimes against, Asia--Armenia, Belgium, Books and reading, Germany, International obligations, International relations--Moral and ethical aspects, Lusitania (Steamship), Sheldon, Charles, 1867-1928, Turkey, War--Moral and ethical aspects, War--Public opinion, World War (1914-1918)
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Theodore Roosevelt responds to a letter from James Stevenson-Hamilton, noting that it came when he was discussing Stevenson-Hamilton’s book with Carl Ethan Akeley and Charles Sheldon. They all agree it “is one of the very best books” they know. Roosevelt does not believe that the United States ought to be pardoned for failing to defend Belgium against Germany. If he had been president, Roosevelt would have taken action regarding Belgium and believes the public would have supported war after the sinking of the Lusitania. His book, Fear God and Take Your Own Part, will soon be published and will cover his views on the war. The conduct of the Turks towards Armenians has been dreadful but, unlike the Germans, the Turks can behave “in civilized fashion in a war with the antagonists they respect.”
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1916-02-07
Creator(s)
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
Recipient
Stevenson-Hamilton, James, 1867-1957
Language
English
Period
Post-Presidential Years (1913-January 6, 1919)
Repository
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Page Count
2
Production Method
Record Type
Multi-image
Resource Type
Rights
These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.
Citation
Cite this Record
Chicago:
Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to James Stevenson-Hamilton. [February 7, 1916]. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o212386. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919. Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to James Stevenson-Hamilton. [7 Feb. 1916]. Multi-image.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. January 20, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o212386.
APA:
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919., [1916, February 7]. Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to James Stevenson-Hamilton.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o212386.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. January 20, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
APA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
